May 16 - June 9, 2013 Start the Festival in style with the SIFF 2013 Opening Night Gala! The evening features the Seattle premiere of Much Ado About Nothing, with director Joss Whedon and cast members Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Nathan Fillion, and Clark Gregg scheduled to attend.

SIFF is pleased to host an exclusive Industry Party at The W Hotel after the screening of Drinking Buddies on Saturday, June 8.

Director Joe Swanberg’s cast improvised this thoughtful and candidly emotional breakthrough. Garnering laughs at SXSW Film Festival, Swanberg’s eighth and biggest budget feature to date hinges on the success of his actors’ disciplined improv. The conflict is set as both couples get away to a cabin one weekend. Luke’s fiancée is good for him, but would Kate be a better match? As Kate and Luke navigate their platonic friendship, which always seems on the verge of bubbling over into romance, their relatable situation and naturalistic dialogue keeps audiences in the moment. It’s a testament to the talents of each that, working from no script, their chemistry and cleverness constructs a scenario that feels true to life. Beasts of the Southern Wild cinematographer Ben Richardson lingers over shots of bottles and glasses as beer plays the ever-present role of instigator in the plot. Avid home-brewer Swanberg’s love for suds shows, and his cast’s energetic, sensitive gamesmanship pack this feature with flavor.

Director BiographyJoe Swanberg is an independent filmmaker known for his small-budget, improvised “mumblecore” films including Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007) and Silver Bullets (2011). Swanberg was born in Detroit, MI and earned his film degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Sponsored in part by LiveAreaLabs, Snoqualmie Tobacco Company & Liquor Store, Oola Distillery

8/19/2014
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2015

SIFF's mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. It is through the art of cinema that we foster a community that is more informed, aware, and alive!